"I was always impressed, during the various musical undertakings on which Denis and I were both working, by his determination in making sure that emerging talents were always given careful consideration, encouragement, and a chance. Nothing could be more appropriate than a scholarship in his name that perpetuates that determination."

- Senator Tommy Banks

For over 50 years, Denis Jackson was dedicated to mentoring and training young musicians. To ensure the continued legacy of his commitment to excellence in jazz, Mr. Jackson’s friends and colleagues created the Denis Jackson Memorial Scholarship Endowment for Jazz Orchestra to support a gifted young jazz artist to participate, conduct, record and perform their original work during the Jazz Orchestra Program at The Banff Centre.

Recipients of the Denis Jackson Scholarships will be artists who have demonstrated leadership in their musical careers, and who have an interest in directing and composition.

Uniqueness of the Jazz Program

For more than 30 years, the Banff jazz program has been one of the most important training grounds in the world for improvising jazz musicians and composers, and continues to set the standard for jazz excellence. For four weeks each spring, The Jazz Orchestra Workshop brings together 25 to 30 saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, bass, piano, voice, flute, strings and guitar musicians and composers. The impact of these workshops is felt around the world. An international network of alumni has fostered exciting musical developments in many countries, and Banff Centre alumni have achieved prominence throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Students of The Banff Centre’s jazz program come to learn from some of the world’s most accomplished performers, composers, and teachers – and from each other. They leave with new skills and enrich their communities. Scholarship support is essential for us to continue offering talented musicians access to specialized learning opportunities that are not found anywhere else.

We hope you will join us in fostering creative excellence in jazz by contributing to the Denis Jackson Memorial Scholarship Endowment for Jazz Orchestra. When opportunities are available, your donations will be applied to take advantage of any matching gifts consistent with the intent and purpose of the gift increasing the impact of your support.

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Charitable registration numbers:
Canada 11921 4955 RR0001 US 98-0078729